Education: B.S., education, University of Texas; M.B.A, marketing, University of Houston

First automotive job: Chevrolet S10 Brand Manager, 1999

Proudest achievement: "My proudest achievement was leading the turnaround of the Chevrolet S10 brand to increase sales, market share and dealer profitability in just nine months."

On being successful: "The key to a strong organization is creating a positive working culture where everyone is valued and engaged in their work. I also believe ideas drive results and have a highly energetic, entrepreneurial style. I try to instill leadership, simplicity and acting with urgency as core values for the teams I work with and find that keeping these priorities enables people to really achieve success."

On being a woman in the industry: "When I came to the truck business at Chevrolet, I felt that my energy and leadership were welcomed and reflected in the hard work of the team. In fact, we had a number of women leaders on the team who collaborated very well. In every business in which I've worked, there has been a traditionally male work force. In my experience, success is all about leadership, working hard and doing your best - not letting your gender be an issue."

Career highlights:

• 1998-99 VP and General Manager, Appliances, Sunbeam Corp.